JP2010103892A - Communication terminal, charge plan management apparatus, management system, management method and management program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication terminal, charge plan management apparatus, system, method and program with which it can be easily considered whether a charge plan is suitable according to the current situation of the contracted charge plan and even in comparison with other material. <P>SOLUTION: A communication terminal 10 includes: a charge plan storage means 11 storing the prescribed number of charge plans indicating a relationship between communication charges, that a user will pay, and communication contents for each prescribed unit period; a communication history data storage means 12 for storing communication history data indicating the communication contents each time a communication is performed; a comparison means 13 for properly selecting and reading the communication history data stored in the communication history data storage means 12 and comparing the read communication history data with desired one of charge plans stored in the charge plan storage means 11, applicable to charge calculation; and a comparison result display means 14 for displaying comparison results of the comparison means 13. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication terminal such as a mobile phone and a PHS, a charge plan management apparatus, a charge plan management system, a charge plan management method, and a charge plan management program for managing these communication terminals or a group of these communication terminals.

  Communication terminals such as mobile phones and PHSs (Personal Handyphone Systems) communicate with communication carriers (communication carriers) when performing telephone calls and data communication (hereinafter, collectively referred to as communication as appropriate). A contract for a price plan is made. Here, the charge plan is a plan related to the amount paid by the user of the communication terminal to the communication carrier in accordance with the form of communication. The rate plan may stipulate the monthly basic fee and various additional charges, or it may be a fixed amount regardless of the communication volume or communication time. In addition, when the communication fee in a unit period such as one month does not reach the predetermined amount, it can be carried over to the next unit period or the communication terminal of a specific group such as a family. There is also a plan that sets a fee privilege between.

  Each telecommunications carrier proposes a charge plan assuming various usage forms of communication terminals. The charge plan is also related to the characteristics of the communication terminal handled by each telecommunications carrier, and various plans are currently provided in order to adapt to various usage forms or usage contents of the user. In such a charge plan, the charging mechanism is often complicated, and the charge is often subdivided and calculated according to the contents of use. For this reason, it is difficult for the user of the communication terminal to grasp the billing situation, and sometimes the user is surprised at the amount of the bill when the bill for the usage fee is received.

  Therefore, the use of a prepaid card has been proposed as one method. This is because if a prepaid card is used, the communication terminal can be used within the range of the amount of the card. However, when a prepaid card is used, if the remaining amount of the card becomes small, the available call time becomes a problem. In particular, when calling an important destination, it is inconvenient if the call is cut off.

For this reason, when communicating using a prepaid card, it has been proposed as a first related technique related to the present invention to calculate and display a callable time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to the first related technology, the charge data in the charge database is matched with the balance data of the card by applying to the charge system of the carrier specified based on the caller number of the user, and the call possible time Is calculated. The calculated callable time is sent to the mobile phone as voice before starting the call. Therefore, a mobile phone user can schedule a mobile phone call by receiving a message such as “You can talk for XX yen. Please enter the phone number of the other party”.
JP 2000-101751 (paragraphs 0021 and 0037, FIG. 1)

  When a prepaid card is used, the available call time is calculated according to the charge system of the carrier of the card. Therefore, not only the communication carrier at the time of payment for the communication fee is fixed, but also various fee plans according to the communication form of each person cannot be selected. In other words, the prepaid card is suitable for special purposes and temporary telephone use, but it is often uneconomical when using the telephone on a daily basis.

  However, as already explained, it is difficult to understand the individual characteristics of each carrier's rate plan, and users are thorough to understand the amount charged based on the current rate plan with which they are subscribed. There are many cases. In other words, users often check the bills for the currently subscribed rate plan, or check the current usage status as appropriate, and the rate plan of the currently subscribed carrier is appropriate. It is difficult to determine whether it is appropriate or not, and the most appropriate plan for your usage pattern among the price plans presented by the carrier.

  Furthermore, the types of communication terminals to be handled and the charge plans are individually determined by each communication carrier. For this reason, there is a problem that it is not only difficult for the user to consider changing the rate plan of the currently contracted telecommunications carrier, but also considering changing the contract to another telecommunications carrier.

  For this reason, even if the usage form of the communication terminal is different, the user may continue to contract the same rate plan as before and pay an unnecessary communication fee. In addition, there is a case where communication charges increase due to easy switching to another charge plan or another communication carrier.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is not only to grasp the current communication status of the contracted rate plan, but also to easily determine whether the rate plan is appropriate by comparing it with other materials, a rate To provide a plan management device, a rate plan management system, a rate plan management method, and a rate plan management program.

In the present invention, (b) rate plan storage means for storing a predetermined number of rate plans indicating the relationship between the communication fee paid by the user for each predetermined unit period and the communication content, and (b) communication is performed. Communication history data storage means for storing communication history data indicating the communication contents as described above; and (c) the charge plan storage means described above by appropriately selecting and reading out communication history data stored in the communication history data storage means. The communication terminal comprises comparison means for comparing with a desired one of the charge plans stored in the table, and (d) comparison result display means for displaying a comparison result of the comparison means.

  In the present invention, (a) a charge plan storage means for storing a predetermined number of charge plans indicating a relationship between communication charges paid by each communication terminal user and communication contents for each predetermined unit period; (B) Communication history data storage means for storing communication history data indicating communication contents in association with each communication terminal each time communication terminal communicates with the destination, and (c) this communication history data storage. The communication history data stored in the means is appropriately selected and read out that belongs to the predetermined communication terminal, and the desired one applicable to the calculation of the charge among the charge plans stored in the charge plan storage means described above The charge plan management apparatus includes comparison means for comparison, and (d) comparison result notification means for notifying the predetermined communication terminal of the comparison result of the comparison means.

  Further, according to the present invention, (b) an arbitrary number of communication terminals, and (b) a communication fee and communication contents for which each user of the arbitrary number of communication terminals described above for each predetermined unit period pays for each communication terminal. Communication plan data indicating the communication contents described above in association with each communication terminal each time communication is performed between the predetermined number of communication plans and a predetermined number of charge plans indicating the relationship Applicable to calculation of charges among the communication plan data storage means to be stored, and the communication history data stored in the communication history data storage means to be appropriately selected and read out and stored in the charge plan storage means described above A charge plan management system comprising a comparing means for comparing with a desired one and a comparison result notifying means for notifying a corresponding communication terminal of a comparison result of the comparing means. Temu is provided.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, (b) a communication history data storing step for acquiring and storing communication history data representing a communication history each time communication with the other party is performed, and (b) in the communication history data storing step, A comparison step of comparing the stored communication history data with a predetermined number of rate plans applicable to calculation of a rate indicating a relationship between a communication fee and a communication time in a unit period at a predetermined timing; The rate plan management method includes a comparison result display step for displaying a comparison result in the comparison step.

  Further, in the present invention, the communication terminal computer provided with the charge plan storage means for storing a predetermined number of charge plans showing the relationship between the communication charge paid by the user for each predetermined unit period and the communication content is charged As a plan management program, (b) a communication history data storage process for storing communication history data indicating the communication content every time communication is performed, and (b) communication history data stored in the communication history data storage process. Comparison processing to select and read out as appropriate and compare with a desired one of the charge plans stored in the charge plan storage means applicable to the calculation of the charge, and (c) display the comparison result of the comparison process A comparison result display process is executed.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, a computer having a charge plan storage means for storing a predetermined number of charge plans indicating the relationship between communication charges paid by each communication terminal user and communication contents for each predetermined unit period, As a charge plan management program, (b) communication history data storage processing for storing communication history data indicating communication contents in association with each communication terminal each time the communication terminal performs communication with its destination; (B) Of the communication history data stored in this communication history data storage process, the communication history data belonging to a predetermined communication terminal is appropriately selected and read, and the charge of the charge plan stored in the charge plan storage means is calculated. And (c) a comparison result notification process for notifying the above-mentioned predetermined communication terminal of the comparison result by the comparison process. It is characterized in that to execute and.

  As described above, according to the present invention, communication history data that may be used for charge calculation is stored, and this is read out in a desired section to compare charges, or to an actual charge plan. I decided to compare it. Therefore, the right or wrong of the target price plan can be determined with high accuracy according to the actual communication status of each user. In addition, it is easy to change to an appropriate rate plan, and it is not necessary to pay unnecessary call or data communication charges.

  FIG. 1 shows a claim correspondence diagram of a communication terminal according to the present invention. The communication terminal 10 according to the present invention includes a charge plan storage unit 11 that stores a predetermined number of charge plans indicating the relationship between communication charges paid by a user for each predetermined unit period and communication contents, and communication is performed. The communication history data storage means 12 for storing the communication history data indicating the communication contents described above, and the communication history data stored in the communication history data storage means 12 are appropriately selected and read out and stored in the rate plan storage means 11. The comparison means 13 for comparing with a desired one applicable to the calculation of the charge in the charge plan and the comparison result display means 14 for displaying the comparison result of the comparison means 13 are provided.

  FIG. 2 shows a claim correspondence diagram of the charge plan management apparatus of the present invention. The charge plan management device 20 includes a charge plan storage unit 21 that stores a predetermined number of charge plans indicating the relationship between communication charges paid by each communication terminal user and communication contents for each predetermined unit period, and communication. Each time a terminal communicates with its destination, communication history data storage means 22 that stores communication history data indicating the communication contents in association with each communication terminal, and stored in the communication history data storage means 22 A comparison means 23 for appropriately selecting and reading out communication history data belonging to a predetermined communication terminal and comparing it with a desired one of charge plans stored in the charge plan storage means 21 and applicable to calculation of a charge; And a comparison result notification means 24 for notifying the above-mentioned predetermined communication terminal of the comparison result of the comparison means 23.

  FIG. 3 shows a correspondence diagram of a claim of the rate plan management system of the present invention. The charge plan management system 30 determines the relationship between the communication fee and the communication content that each user of the arbitrary number of communication terminals 31 and the arbitrary number of communication terminals described above for each predetermined unit period pays for each communication terminal 31. The charge plan storage means for storing the predetermined number of charge plans shown and the communication history data indicating the communication contents described above in association with each communication terminal each time communication with the arbitrary number of communication terminals is performed. A communication history data storage means and a communication history data stored in the communication history data storage means, which is appropriately selected and read out, and desired to be applicable to calculation of a charge among the charge plans stored in the charge plan storage means. A charge plan management device 32 comprising a comparison means for comparing with the comparison means and a comparison result notification means for notifying the corresponding communication terminal of the comparison result of the comparison means. To have.

  FIG. 4 shows a correspondence diagram of claims of the rate plan management method of the present invention. The charge plan management method 40 has a communication history data storage step 41 for acquiring and storing communication history data representing a communication history each time communication with the other party is performed, and the communication history data storage step 41. A comparison step 42 for comparing the communication history data with a predetermined number of rate plans applicable to calculation of a rate indicating the relationship between the communication fee and the communication time in a unit period at a predetermined timing, and a comparison by this comparison step 42 And a comparison result display step 43 for displaying the result.

  FIG. 5 shows a claim correspondence diagram of the charge plan management program of the present invention. The charge plan management program 50 is provided in a communication terminal computer having a charge plan storage means for storing a predetermined number of charge plans indicating a relationship between communication charges paid by a user for each predetermined unit period and communication contents. The communication history data storage process 51 for storing communication history data indicating the communication content described above each time communication is performed, and the communication history data stored in the communication history data storage process 51 is appropriately selected and read to thereby charge A comparison process 52 for comparing with a desired one applicable to calculation of a charge among the charge plans stored in the plan storage means, and a comparison result display process 53 for displaying a comparison result of the comparison process 52 are executed. It is characterized by.

  FIG. 6 shows a claim correspondence diagram of the charge plan management program of the present invention. The charge plan management program 60 is a computer provided with charge plan storage means for storing a predetermined number of charge plans indicating the relationship between communication charges paid by each communication terminal user and communication contents for each predetermined unit period. In addition, every time the communication terminal performs communication with its destination, communication history data storage processing 61 for storing communication history data indicating the communication contents in association with each communication terminal, and this communication history data storage processing The communication history data stored in 61 is appropriately selected and read out that belongs to the predetermined communication terminal, and the desired one applicable to the calculation of the charge among the charge plans stored in the charge plan storage means described above The comparison process 62 to be compared and the comparison result notification process 63 for notifying the above-mentioned predetermined communication terminal of the comparison result by the comparison process 62 are executed. It is characterized in that.

  Next, the present invention will be described together with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows the overall configuration of a charge plan management system for managing communication charges of communication terminals in the present embodiment. This rate plan management system 100 deals with a case where a mobile phone is used as a communication terminal. First, second, and Mth radio base stations 102 ₁ , 102 ₂ ,... 102 _M are connected to a mobile communication network 101 of a specific communication carrier. As an example, the first mobile phone 103 ₁ is connected to the first radio base station 102 ₁ by radio, and the M-th mobile phone 103 _M is connected to the M-th radio base station 102 _M. It shall be. Connected to the mobile communication network 101 are various charge plans for the respective mobile phones 103 ₁ , 103 ₂ ,... 103 _M ... And a charge management device 104 for managing communication charges between users and groups. .

In the charge plan management system 100 of the present embodiment, a single management mode for simply managing the communication charges of each of the mobile phones 103 ₁ , 103 ₂ ,... 103 _M, and the mobile phones 103 ₁ , 103 ₂ , ... 103 _M ... When a specific group is configured for discounting charges, it is possible to select and manage two modes of group management mode for managing communication charges in those groups. Yes. When the former single management mode is adopted, the charge management device 104 communicates by grasping the communication partner, the communication time zone, the communication time, or the communication amount each time a call or communication is performed. In addition to maintaining the history, when various price plans are updated, the updated data is distributed to the respective mobile phones 103 ₁ , 103 ₂ ,... 103 _M. Each of the mobile phones 103 ₁ , 103 ₂ ,... 103 _M. Of course, it is possible for the fee management apparatus 104 to perform this role. When the latter group management mode is adopted, the charge management device 104 is configured to examine the charge plans of the individual mobile phones 103 ₁ , 103 ₂ ,... 103 _M. In this case, the result of the charge plan review is notified from the charge management apparatus 104 to the payee of the mobile phone 103 ₁ , 103 ₂ ,... 103 _M.

FIG. 8 shows an outline of the configuration of the first mobile phone. Since the cellular phones 103 ₂ ,... 103 _M ... Have basically the same circuit configuration as the first cellular phone 103 ₁ , their illustration and description are omitted. This will be described with reference to FIG.

The first mobile phone 103 ₁ has a main control unit 123 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 121 and a memory 122 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 121 in a partial area thereof. The main control unit 123 controls various devices described below to realize various functions as the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. These devices may be configured as hardware as circuit components, or may be functional components realized by software when the CPU executes the control program described above.

The communication control unit 124 is able to access the first, second, radio base station 102 ₁ of the M, 102 _2, through either ...... 102 _M fee management apparatus 104. Operation unit 130 is composed of various key switches and a touch panel, a pointing device for user performs the first cellular phone 103 ₁ operation (both not shown). The display unit 131 outputs various visual data. The telephone basic function unit 133 comprehensively represents various functions as the _first mobile phone 1031, which are not shown.

  FIG. 9 shows an outline of the configuration of the fee management apparatus. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  The fee management device 104 includes a CPU 141 and a main control unit 143 including a memory 142 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 141 in a partial area thereof. The main control unit 143 realizes various functions as the fee management apparatus 104 of the present embodiment by controlling each device described below. These devices may be configured as hardware as circuit components, or may be functional components realized by software when the CPU executes the control program described above.

The communication control unit 144, a mobile communication network 101 and the first, second, radio base station 102 ₁ of the M, 102 _2, ...... 102 each of the mobile phone 103 ₁ via either _M, 103 _2, ... ... 103 _M can communicate with. When there is a communication privilege in a specific group such as a family or a friend according to the price plan, the group registration unit 145 registers information for specifying the mobile phone 103 constituting the group. The communication history data storage unit 146 for each communication terminal monitors the state of communication for each of the mobile phones 103 ₁ , 103 ₂ ,... 103 _M , and stores these communication history data. Here, the communication history data refers to a series of data representing already performed communications that may be used for calculation of charges such as the date and time of communication, call duration, or the number of data communication packets. The charge plan storage unit 147 stores a charge plan handled by a telecommunications carrier operating the mobile communication network 101. You may store the charge plan which other communication carriers handle similarly.

  The charge comparison review unit 148 compares the charges between the mobile phones 103 registered by the group registration unit 145 based on various charge plans stored in the charge plan storage unit 147, and compares the charges for each charge plan. This is the part that examines profits and losses. The review period for the rate plan may be only the current unit period in which the user communicates such as calls and e-mails, but which rate plan is most appropriate if the past is also considered Judgment becomes easier. Therefore, the communication history data storage unit 146 for each communication terminal stores past communication history data for, for example, six months or one year. The charge comparison review unit 148 can total and compare various communication times, for example, for a period of one month, three months, and six months based on the stored communication history data for each communication terminal. .

  The comparison result editing unit 149 edits the result of the comparison and examination by the charge comparison and examination unit 148 in a form that is easy for the user to use. The comparison result notifying unit 150 sends the comparison result edited by the comparison result editing unit 149 to the requested mobile phone 103. The notification of the comparison result can be performed on a small basis, such as every time a call is made, for the current unit period in which the communication fee will be generated now. The comparison of various price plans may be automatically performed when a user requests, or at intervals of one month, three months, six months, etc. as described above. In the present embodiment, the “unit period” is “month”. The result of the currently subscribed rate plan can be displayed with the contents set or changed in the management mode setting / changing process described below. Various price plans are notified of the results of these comparisons periodically and at the request of the user.

FIG. 10 shows how the management mode is set / changed by the mobile phone. In Figure 10, it represents the process when the first mobile phone 103 ₁ of the user to set a single management mode and group management mode for communication charges, changes the contents of the mode. This will be described with reference to FIGS.

For example, when a user wants to display a communication charge in relation to a charge plan or cancels such a display, the user performs various processes on the display unit 131 of the _first mobile phone 1031. A menu screen for selection is displayed (step S201). Then, the charge management mode is selected from the menu screen using the operation unit 130 (step S202: Y). When the user selects a mode other than the charge management mode (step S202: N, step S203: Y), the selected mode is executed. A detailed description thereof will be omitted. When the user selects the charge management mode (step S202: Y), a management mode selection menu is displayed on the display unit 131 (step S204).

FIG. 11 shows a state in which the management mode selection menu is displayed on the display unit. The display unit 131 of the _first mobile phone 1031 shown in FIG. 8 displays a screen for selecting either the single management mode or the group management mode with a radio button.

When the user selects the radio button on the single management mode side (step S205: Y in FIG. 10), the single management mode selection screen is displayed on the display unit 131 of the _first mobile phone 1031 (step S206). Here, the user and the display mode to sequentially display the data about the prices run the stand-alone management mode for consideration of their first mobile phone 103 ₁ of the rate plan, the display of data on such fee Any of the non-display modes not to be performed can be selected.

FIG. 12 shows a display state of the single management mode selection screen based on step S206 of FIG. The first mobile phone 103 _first display unit 131, a setting button for setting the radio button for alternatively specify each various display and non-display, the designation of one of these buttons 161 is displayed. The user selects “Pre-communication display” when performing display related to his / her current rate plan before a call, and “Post-communication display” when performing such display every time communication is completed. Also, select “Pre- and post-communication display” if you want to display information about your current billing plan and other billing plans before and after the communication, and select “Hide” if you do not want to display such a display. To do. When these selections are completed, the setting button 161 is pressed.

  Returning to FIG. When the setting button 161 in FIG. 12 is pressed (step S207: Y), the display form is set to the content indicated by the radio button (step S208), and a series of processing ends (end). Thereafter, each time communication is performed, the display mode in the single management mode is executed with the setting contents until the next setting change is performed.

On the other hand, when the radio button on the group management mode side shown in FIG. 11 is selected (step S205: N, step S209: Y), the processing screen of the group management mode is displayed on the display unit 131 of the _first mobile phone 1031. Is displayed (step S210).

FIG. 13 shows the contents of the processing screen in the group management mode. In this processing screen, registration of the terminal belonging to the first cellular phone 103 ₁ in the same group as the own terminal, deleting, pre-communication display, after the communication is displayed, it is possible to communicate back and forth displayed or hidden set. Here, when specifying communication terminals belonging to the same group, the telephone number is input. For example, if a group of the communication terminal in which the first mobile phone 103 ₁ of the user and the network operator in advance current contract as of the same family and friends have set a privilege to communication charge is present, The telephone number of a communication terminal other than the own terminal of the group is input. The benefits here include all cases, for example, reduction of basic charges and appropriation to communication charges of other communication terminals in the group when a balance of charges occurs in some communication terminals of the group.

  It is possible to virtually add other communication terminals not registered in the group on the contract to the group and consider the relationship with the charge plan. However, in this case, since the communication history of the user of the corresponding communication terminal is used, it is necessary that the user has permission. Since the specific processing for this is not directly related to the present invention, description thereof will be omitted.

When first mobile phone 103 ₁ of the user input processing screen of the group management mode shown is finished in FIG. 13, the user presses a setting button 161. When the setting button 161 is pressed on the first mobile phone 103 (step S211: Y), the setting of the display form is set to the contents indicated by the registration or deletion of the communication terminals constituting the group as the setting contents or the radio buttons. This is performed (step S212), and a series of processing ends (end).

  FIG. 14 shows the processing of the charge management device when the first mobile phone performs communication. This will be described with reference to FIGS.

When there is a request for communication such as a call from _first mobile phone 103 ₁ (step S221: Y), fee management apparatus 104 of the present embodiment has a management mode of _first mobile phone 103 ₁ included in the request. Analyze the setting data. And if the first cellular phone 103 ₁ before this communication is determined to requesting the display of usage currently adopted charges plans (Step S222: Y), the comparison result editing unit 149 The latest comparison result according to the edited price plan is transmitted to _first mobile phone 1031 (step S223). If there is then the first mobile phone 103 actual calls or instruction to start data communication from ₁ (step S224: Y), executes a call or data communication processing (step S225). In the other hand, there is no instruction to start communication, or an instruction of the communication termination behalf, when the communication from the first portable telephone 103 ₁ side is disconnected (step S224: N, Step S226: Y) Assuming that the user has not started communication by looking only at the comparison result, the communication process is terminated as it is (return).

On the other hand, when communication is started (step S224: Y, step S225), the communication main body as the communication itself is terminated and the communication itself is not disconnected (step S227: Y), and the main control is performed. The unit 143 stores in the communication history data storage unit 146 by communication terminal the communication date / time of the communication performed in step S225 and the communication time or data amount when the data communication is performed as communication history data of the _first mobile phone 1031. Store (step S228). Then, the contents of the current rate plan contracted on the _first mobile phone 103 ₁ side are read from the rate plan storage unit 147, and the rate comparison review unit 148 applies to the corresponding items such as call time and data amount. The charge up to the present in the unit period is calculated (step S229). At this time, for example, when the charge for a specific call partner is free, it is determined whether the call partner's phone number is free, and if it is free, the calculation of the current charge can be omitted. . When the charge is discounted depending on conditions such as a call time zone, a calculation to that effect is performed.

The charge comparison review unit 148 compares the calculation result for the _first mobile phone 1031 calculated in this way with a reference value for each item such as the call charge and the number of packets in the corresponding unit period, and determines the call time or data. The amount of excess or deficiency is calculated (step S230). For example, if the call time and data volume that can be communicated with a certain amount of money are defined as one or more levels as the upper limit reference value, compared to the current call time or data volume, The call time or data amount with respect to these reference values is calculated. Specifically, when a call time of 60 minutes is set to a certain price plan at a fixed amount, a calculation is made such that a call can be made at that amount for 30 minutes later. In addition, the number of packets of two types, the number of packets A and the number of packets B, is defined as the reference value as the data amount, and if the charge per unit packet differs from each other, the currently used packet And the relationship between the excess and deficiency of the number of packets between the total amount of A and B and the two types of reference values.

If it is a single management mode in step S205 of FIG. 10 (Y), rates comparison section 148, the current in the unit interval corresponding to only the first mobile phone 103 _first communication history data in this example Calculate the charge up to. If the group management mode is selected (Fig. 10 step S209: Y), is also used communication history data of registered telephone numbers as a group, until now in the first corresponding unit period of the mobile phone 103 ₁ Calculate the price of. For example, a charge plan in which the second mobile phone 103 ₂ is registered as the same group, and the free call time of the _second mobile phone 103 ₂ is allocated as the usable time of the first mobile phone 103 ₁ Is adopted. In this case, the time until this call is free is also calculated, and the charge to the present in the corresponding unit period is calculated.

The comparison result editing unit 149 edits the result of the comparison and examination by the fee comparison and examination unit 148 into a graph or a table that is easy for the user to use (step S231). Then, based on the analysis result of the management mode setting data when there is a communication request in step S221, it is determined that it is necessary to display the usage status of the currently adopted rate plan after the communication processing in step S225 is completed. If so (step S232: Y), the edited comparison result is transmitted to the _first mobile phone 1031, which has just finished processing of the communication body (step S233), and the communication is terminated (return). . When the display after the communication process in step S225 is not required (step S232: N), the series of processes is terminated without performing such a transmission process (return).

Although first portable telephone 103 ₁ sometimes forcibly terminate the communication without waiting transmission processing fee management apparatus 104 (step S233), that the processing up to edit this case the comparison result is performed Become. The user can see the comparison result by performing a setting for requesting display before communication at the next communication (see step S223).

FIG. 15 shows an example of the comparison result displayed on the first mobile phone. As a comparison result, the display unit 131 of the _first mobile phone 1031 shown in FIG. 8 defines the number of days remaining until the billing deadline, and free calls and free mails with additional charges free of charge. If you are, display the remaining charge and number of packets for free. Accordingly, the first cellular phone 103 ₁ of the user, when using e-mail or a telephone call, it is possible to enable efficient communication within a frame not applied the additional fee. If the rate plan allows you to use the carry-over amount in the past unit period in conjunction with the current unit period, or if there is a distribution amount for other users who belong to the group in the group management mode, These are added to the current unit period and displayed.

  FIG. 16 shows the processing of the charge management device when the first mobile phone requests a comparison of charge plans. This will be described with reference to FIGS.

Charge management device 104, the cellular phone 103 _1, 103 _2, the display request for price plans from ...... 103 _M ...... to wait for incoming (step S241), the cellular phone 103 ₁ thereof, Each of 103 ₂ ,... 103 _M ... Is monitored to see whether a display timing for a predetermined rate plan has arrived (step S242).

For example, when a display request arrives from the first mobile phone 103 ₁ (step S241: Y) or when the display time of the _first mobile phone 103 ₁ arrives (step S242: Y), the main control unit 143 communicates with the communication terminal. The communication history data for a predetermined month corresponding to the single management mode or group management mode shown in FIG. 11 is read from the separate communication history data storage unit 146 (step S243). For example, the first cellular phone 103 ₁ group management mode is selected for, when the first mobile phone 103 ₁ and second mobile phone 103 ₂ is registered as a group, the main control unit 143 by the communication terminal Communication history data of the first mobile phone 103 ₁ and the second mobile phone 103 ₂ is read from the communication history data storage unit 146.

  At this time, how many months of communication history data is read out depends on the contents of the charge plan to be referenced stored in the charge plan storage unit 147. For example, suppose that a certain rate plan stipulates that when a call charge of any mobile phone A in the group does not reach a reference value, it can be distributed to a call charge of another mobile phone in the group. The rate plan in this case also stipulates that the mobile phone A will carry over the call charge. For example, if the excess of the carry-over for a predetermined month is distributed to another person, When calculating the payment amount, the basic data may be insufficient if only the communication history data about the mobile phone A is read out six months ago. Therefore, when reading the communication history data, the corresponding communication history data is acquired from the communication history data storage unit 146 for each communication terminal with a predetermined margin.

  Next, the main control unit 143 stores the rate plan storage unit 147 in the rate plan storage unit 147 when other rate plans of the same carrier as the currently subscribed rate plan and the user desires. The rate plan of the other telecommunications carrier is read (step S244). Then, the payment comparison review unit 148 calculates the payment amount for the last month, the payment amount for the period of 3 months, and the payment amount for the period of 6 months for each rate plan (step S245). . Of course, the amount of payment is not calculated for a period when communication history data that is the basis of calculation is not available.

The comparison result editing unit 149 edits the payment amount of each rate plan as a result of the comparison and examination by the fee comparison and examination unit 148 for display (step S246). Comparison result notifying unit 150, which was transmitted first to the cellular phone 103 ₁ (step S247), the process ends (return). Transmission may be performed by e-mail to the cellular phone 103 ₁ charge management unit 104 first.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a comparison table of payment amounts for each rate plan sent from the rate management apparatus to the mobile phone. Such actual or payments to operators, the payment estimated amount based on the same actual use of changing the rate plan is displayed on the first mobile phone 103 _first display unit 131 (FIG. 8). Therefore, the first portable telephone 103 ₁ of the user, by comparing the payments when used in recent payments and long-term, any rate plan it is possible to easily determine the appropriate.

In such an embodiment of the rate plan management system, the cellular phone 103 _first charge management apparatus 104 or the first, for example by selecting the minimum rate plans payments 6 months, which as best rate plan It is also possible to display. Thereby, the user can consider reexamination of the charge plan based on the usage record for a relatively long period of time.

  In addition, telecommunications carriers can make their rate plans more appropriate by proactively disclosing the amount of user charges paid by various rate plans, including the rate plans of other competing carriers. It is possible to prevent the user from moving to another communication carrier.

  <Modification of the invention>

In the embodiment of the present invention described above, that the charge management system 104 of the communication provider side performs calculation of rates, and transmits a comparison result to the first mobile phone 103 ₁ such as a cellular phone to the appropriate this did. On the other hand, the mobile phone 103 itself such as the first mobile phone 103 ₁ stores the communication history data at that time, and the comparison result for the charge plan with which the terminal is contracted or various charge plans is displayed. It is also possible to calculate and display with.

FIG. 18 shows the configuration of the first mobile phone in a modification of the present invention. In FIG. 18, the same parts as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. This will be described together with FIG. 7 of the previous embodiment. Note that the first mobile phone 103 ₁ in FIG. 7 is described as the first mobile phone 103 ₁ A.

The first mobile phone 103 ₁ A of this modification has a main control unit 123A including a CPU 121 and a memory 122A that stores a control program executed by the CPU 121 in a partial area thereof. The main control unit 123A controls various devices described below to realize various functions as a mobile phone according to a modified example. These devices may be configured as hardware as circuit components, or may be functional components realized by software when the CPU executes the control program described above.

The communication control unit 124 is able to access the first, second, radio base station 102 ₁ of the M, 102 _2, through either ...... 102 _M fee management apparatus 104. The communication history data acquisition unit 125 acquires data related to the charge calculation of the first mobile phone 103 ₁ A among the individual communication history data accumulated in the charge management device 104. The communication history data storage unit 126 is configured to accumulate the communication history data acquired by the communication history data acquisition unit 125 for a predetermined period. Here, the predetermined period is, for example, a period of six months to be compared when comparing the price plan for the past six months with the actual communication state.

The charge plan storage unit 127 is a memory area that stores various charge plans that are to be compared and examined by the user of the first mobile phone 103 ₁ A. The content and type of the rate plan may change. In such a case, necessary fee plan update data is sent from the fee management apparatus 104 shown in FIG. Further, although the charge plan is mainly applied by the communication carrier operating the mobile communication network 101, it is not necessary to be limited to these. The user of the first mobile phone 103 ₁ A accesses the charge management device 104 itself or another charge plan providing server (not shown) disposed on the Internet (not shown) and charges applied by other communication carriers. You can download the plan for reference. The charge plan storage unit 127 can also store a charge plan applied by such another communication carrier.

The charge comparison review unit 128 is a part that compares the number of charge plans for which comparison of charge plans is desired based on the usage record of the _first mobile phone 103 ₁ A and examines the profit and loss. In addition, the charge comparison review unit 128 also calculates the remaining communication time or communication volume for receiving the benefit of the contract in the unit period currently applied with the charge plan currently contracted by the _first mobile phone 103 ₁ A. . For example, it is assumed that a call charge is fixed for a unit time of a month in a certain charge plan. In this case, the maximum value of the call time that can be used without additional charges being collected during the remaining period of the month is calculated.

The comparison result editing unit 129 is configured to edit the result of comparison and examination by the charge comparison and examination unit 128 in a form that is easy for the user to use. Operation unit 130 is composed of various key switches and a touch panel, a pointing device for user performs the first cellular phone 103 ₁ operation (both not shown). In addition to displaying the edited result of the comparison result editing unit 129, the display unit 131 outputs various visual data. The telephone basic function unit 133A comprehensively represents the various functions as the _first mobile phone 103 ₁ A that are not shown.

  FIG. 19 shows a flow of processing for displaying a comparison result of charges when the mobile phone performs communication in this modification. This will be described with reference to FIGS.

The first mobile phone 103 ₁ A, a request for communication of a call or the like occurs inside (step S301: Y), analyzes the configuration data management mode of the first mobile phone 103 ₁ A contained in the request . Note that the details of each management mode are the same as in the previous embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. If it is determined that the display of the usage status of the rate plan currently employed by the _first mobile phone 103 ₁ A is requested before the current communication (step S302: Y), the comparison result editing unit 129 Displays the latest comparison result according to the edited price plan on the display unit 131 of the terminal (step S303). Then, if there is an instruction from the first mobile phone 103 ₁ A to start an actual call or data communication (step S304: Y), a call or data communication process is executed (step S305). On the other hand, when there is no instruction to start communication, there is an instruction to end communication instead, or communication is disconnected from the _first mobile phone 103 ₁ A side (step S304: N, step S306: Y) ) Assuming that the user did not start communication by looking only at the comparison result, the communication process is terminated as it is (return).

On the other hand, when communication is started (step S304: Y, step S305), when the communication main body as the communication itself ends (step S307: Y), the main control unit 123A performs the communication performed in step S305. The communication history data acquisition unit 125 of the first mobile phone 103 ₁ A acquires the date and time of the call and the amount of data when data communication is performed from the charge management device 104, and communication history data as communication history data The data is stored in the storage unit 126 (step S308). Then, the contents of the current rate plan with which the first mobile phone 103 ₁ A is contracted are read from the rate plan storage unit 127, and the rate comparison review unit 128 corresponds to the corresponding items such as the call time and the data amount. The charge up to the present in the unit period is calculated (step S309). At this time, for example, when the charge for a specific call partner is free, it is determined whether the call partner's phone number is free, and if it is free, the calculation of the current charge can be omitted. . When the charge is discounted depending on conditions such as a call time zone, a calculation to that effect is performed.

The charge comparison review unit 128 compares the calculation result for the first mobile phone 103 ₁ A calculated in this way with a reference value for each item such as the call charge and the number of packets in the corresponding unit period, The excess or deficiency of the data amount is calculated (step S310). For example, if the call time and data volume that can be communicated with a certain amount of money are defined as one or more levels as a reference value, these values are compared with the current call time or data volume. The call time or the data amount is calculated with respect to the reference value. Specifically, when a call time of 60 minutes is set to a certain price plan at a fixed amount, a calculation is made such that a call can be made at that amount for 30 minutes later. In addition, the number of packets of two types, the number of packets A and the number of packets B, is defined as the reference value as the data amount, and if the charge per unit packet differs from each other, the currently used packet And the relationship between the excess and deficiency of the number of packets between the total amount of A and B and the two types of reference values.

When the management mode of the first mobile phone 103 ₁ A is the single management mode described in the previous embodiment (see FIG. 10), the charge comparison review unit 128 uses the first mobile phone 103 in this example. Only the communication history data of ₁ is used to calculate the charges to date for the corresponding unit period. In addition, when the group management mode is selected (see FIG. 10), the communication history data acquisition unit 125 also acquires communication history data of the telephone numbers registered as a group in advance, and the communication history data storage unit 126 stores the communication history data. Storing. Therefore, in this case, the charge comparison / examination unit 128 also uses the communication history data of the telephone numbers registered as a group to calculate the charge up to the present in the corresponding unit period of the first mobile phone 103 ₁ A. For example, a charge plan in which the second mobile phone 103 ₂ is registered as the same group, and the free call time of the _second mobile phone 103 ₂ is allocated as the usable time of the first mobile phone 103 ₁ Is adopted. In this case, the time until this call is free is also calculated, and the charge to the present in the corresponding unit period is calculated.

  The comparison result editing unit 129 edits the result of the comparison and examination by the charge comparison and examination unit 128 into a graph or a table that is easy for the user to use (step S311). Then, based on the analysis result of the management mode setting data when the communication request is generated in step S301, it is determined that it is necessary to display the usage status of the currently adopted rate plan after the communication processing in step S305 is completed. If it is determined (step S312: Y), the edited comparison result is displayed on the display unit 131 of the terminal (step S313), and the communication is terminated (return). If the display after the communication process in step S305 is not required (step S312: N), the series of processes is terminated without performing such a display process (return).

According to the modification described above, the data related to the rate plan is processed and displayed in the own terminal only by acquiring the data necessary for the first mobile phone 103 ₁ A from the rate management apparatus 104 in the process of step S308. . For this reason, the burden of the charge management apparatus 104 can be reduced.

Of course, as a further modification, the communication history data acquisition unit 125 in the first mobile phone 103 ₁ A acquires the date and time of communication as data acquired from the charge management device 104 and the call time or data communication is performed. The amount of data may be measured by the _first mobile phone 103 ₁ A side. In this case, the present invention relates to various rate plans based on the history data of the first mobile phone 103 ₁ A related to the rate plan without the direct involvement of the rate management device 104 or the past communication history data about only the own terminal. The comparison result can be displayed.

  In the embodiment and the modification described above, the charge plan for each carrier is decided to be obtained from the charge management device 104 as one telecommunications carrier device. For this comparison processing, a single server may be installed and used by the mobile phone 103 side.

  Further, in the embodiment, the virtual setting of the mobile phones 103 configuring the same group has not been described. However, in order to predict the advantages of the group configuration, several mobile phones 103 are virtually connected. It is also possible to consider the relationship between the price plan and the members of the group while being included in the group. As a result, the family and friends can easily select the most economical rate plan based on the past usage record.

  Although the embodiment and its modification have been described by taking a mobile phone as an example, it is natural that the present invention can be commonly applied to all communication terminals.

It is a claim corresponding | compatible figure of the communication terminal of this invention. It is a claim corresponding | compatible figure of the rate plan management apparatus of this invention. It is a claim corresponding figure of the charge plan management system of the present invention. It is a claim corresponding figure of the charge plan management method of the present invention. It is a claim corresponding figure of the charge plan management program of the present invention. It is a claim corresponding figure of the charge plan management program of the present invention. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a rate plan management system according to an exemplary embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the outline | summary of a structure of the 1st mobile telephone in this Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the outline | summary of the structure of the charge management apparatus in this Embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a management mode setting / changing process performed by the mobile phone according to the present embodiment. It is a top view showing the state by which the management mode selection menu was displayed on the display part in this Embodiment. It is a top view showing the mode of display of the selection screen of single unit management mode based on Step S206. It is a top view showing the content of the processing screen of group management mode in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the mode of processing of the charge management device when the first mobile phone performs communication in the present embodiment. It is the top view which showed an example of the comparison result displayed with a 1st mobile telephone in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the process of the charge management apparatus when the 1st mobile telephone has requested | required the comparison of a charge plan in this Embodiment. It is the top view which showed an example of the comparison table of the payment amount of each rate plan displayed on a display part in this Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the 1st mobile telephone in the modification of this invention. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for displaying a comparison result of charges when the mobile phone performs communication in a modified example.

Explanation of symbols

10, 31 Communication terminal 11, 21 Price plan storage means 12, 22 Communication history data storage means 13, 23 Comparison means 14 Comparison result display means 20, 32 Price plan management device 24 Comparison result notification means 30, 100 Price plan management system 40 Charge plan management method 41 Communication history data storage step 42 Comparison step 43 Comparison result display step 50, 60 Charge plan management program 51, 61 Communication history data storage process 52, 62 Comparison process 53 Comparison result display process 63 Comparison result notification process 101 Mobile Communication network 103, 103A Mobile phone 104 Charge management device 121, 141 CPU
122, 122A, 142 Memory 123, 123A, 143 Main control unit 125 Communication history data acquisition unit 126 Communication history data storage unit 127, 147 Price plan storage unit 128, 148 Rate comparison review unit 129, 149 Comparison result editing unit 131 Display unit 145 Group registration unit 146 Communication history data storage unit for each communication terminal 150 Comparison result notification unit

Claims (12)

A charge plan storage means for storing a predetermined number of charge plans indicating a relationship between communication charges paid by a user for each predetermined unit period and communication contents;
Communication history data storage means for storing communication history data indicating the communication content each time communication is performed;
Comparison means for appropriately selecting and reading out the communication history data stored in the communication history data storage means and comparing it with a desired one of the charge plans stored in the charge plan storage means applicable to calculation of charges ,
A communication terminal comprising: comparison result display means for displaying a comparison result of the comparison means.   The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the communication includes a telephone call and / or data communication.   The comparison means is means for comparing results obtained by applying the communication history data in the same time range stored in the communication history data storage means to each of a plurality of rate plans stored in the rate plan storage means. The communication terminal according to claim 1.   4. The communication terminal according to claim 3, further comprising an optimum rate plan selection unit that selects a rate plan that provides the lowest price as a comparison result of the comparison unit.   The comparison means is a means for comparing results obtained by fitting communication history data stored in the communication history data storage means to the same charge plan stored in the charge plan storage means. The communication terminal according to claim 1. Rate plan storage means for storing a predetermined number of rate plans indicating the relationship between the communication fee to be paid by the user of each communication terminal and the communication content for each predetermined unit period;
Communication history data storage means for storing communication history data indicating communication contents in association with each communication terminal each time the communication terminal communicates with the destination;
The communication history data stored in the communication history data storage means can be appropriately selected and read out that belongs to a predetermined communication terminal, and can be applied to the calculation of a charge among the charge plans stored in the charge plan storage means. A comparison means to compare with the desired one;
A rate plan management apparatus comprising comparison result notification means for notifying the predetermined communication terminal of a comparison result of the comparison means. Group registration means for registering a plurality of predetermined communication terminals as a specific contract group,
The communication history data storage means acquires and stores communication history data representing the communication history of these communication terminals in units of communication terminals each time communication of communication terminals constituting the group registered by the group registration means is performed. Means to
The comparison result notifying means is means for notifying each of the communication terminals constituting the group registered by the group registration means of a predetermined predetermined result among the comparison results of the comparison means. The rate plan management apparatus according to claim 6. Any number of communication terminals,
A charge plan storage means for storing a predetermined number of charge plans indicating a relationship between communication charges and communication contents that each user of the arbitrary number of communication terminals pays for each communication terminal for each predetermined unit period; and Communication history data storage means for storing communication history data indicating the communication contents in association with each communication terminal each time communication of an arbitrary number of communication terminals is performed, and communication history stored in the communication history data storage means Comparing means for appropriately selecting and reading out data and comparing it with a desired one of charge plans stored in the charge plan storage means applicable to calculation of the charge, and a comparison result of the comparison means corresponding to the communication terminal A charge plan management system comprising: a charge plan management device comprising a comparison result notification means for notifying to A communication history data storage step for acquiring and storing communication history data representing a communication history each time communication with the other party is performed;
A comparison that compares the communication history data stored in this communication history data storage step with a predetermined number of rate plans applicable to the calculation of a rate indicating the relationship between the communication fee and the communication time in a unit period at a predetermined timing. Steps,
A rate plan management method comprising: a comparison result display step for displaying a comparison result in the comparison step.   10. The rate plan management method according to claim 9, wherein the comparison result display step selects and displays a rate plan with the lowest price as a comparison result. In a computer of a communication terminal equipped with a charge plan storage means storing a predetermined number of charge plans indicating the relationship between communication contents and communication contents paid by a user for each predetermined unit period,
A communication history data storage process for storing communication history data indicating the communication content each time communication is performed;
A comparison process for appropriately selecting and reading out the communication history data stored in the communication history data storage process and comparing it with a desired one of the charge plans stored in the charge plan storage means applicable to calculation of a charge; ,
A charge plan management program for executing a comparison result display process for displaying a comparison result of the comparison process. In a computer provided with a charge plan storage means for storing a predetermined number of charge plans showing the relationship between the communication fee paid by each communication terminal user for each predetermined unit period and the communication content,
A communication history data storage process for storing communication history data indicating communication contents in association with each communication terminal each time the communication terminal communicates with the destination;
The communication history data stored in the communication history data storage process is appropriately selected and read out that belongs to the predetermined communication terminal, and can be applied to the calculation of the charge among the charge plans stored in the charge plan storage means. A comparison process to compare with the desired one;
A rate plan management program for executing a comparison result notification process of notifying the predetermined communication terminal of a comparison result by the comparison process.

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